Polymerizing gel intrakeratophakia-PGI

Abstract

A method, materials, and medical devices are disclosed for providing an intralamellar insert between opposing layers formed in the cornea. Upon preparing the cornea by partially separating a flap of tissue, a gel or similar material is placed thereon and conformed to desired dimensions to correct refractive errors of the cornea.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of adjusting the refractive power of the cornea comprising the steps of: determining the desired radius of curvature of the anterior corneal cap;   separating a flap of the corneal tissue from said anterior corneal cap, thereby forming a bed in said cap;   placing a gel material on said cap and repositioning said flap over said gel material;   attaching a molding device over said flap, said molding device having a defined posterior mold profile;   applying pressure to conform said cap and gel to said profile; and   removing said molding device thereby allowing said cap and gel to retain said profile.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjustment of the refractive power of the cornea is reversible, the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained, and no significant epithelial stromal interactions occur. 
     
     
       3. The molding device of claim 1, wherein different mold profiles are available for attachment and use with the molding device. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein the flap may be varied in diameter. 
     
     
       5. A method for adjusting the refractive power of the cornea by changing the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal cap, comprising the steps of: determining the desired radius of curvature of said anterior corneal cap;   separating a flap of the corneal tissue from said anterior corneal cap, thereby forming a bed in said cap;   placing a predetermined volume of gel material on said cap and repositioning said flap over said gel material;   attaching a molding device over said flap, said molding device having a defined posterior mold profile;   applying pressure to conform said cap and gel to said profile; and   removing said molding device thereby allowing said cap and said gel to retain said profile.   
     
     
       6. The method of claim 5, wherein the adjustment of the refractive power of the cornea is reversible, the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained, and no significant epithelial stromal interactions occur. 
     
     
       7. The molding device of claim 5, wherein different mold profiles are available for attachment and use with the molding device. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 5, wherein the flap may be varied in diameter. 
     
     
       9. A method of adjusting the refractive power of the cornea by changing the radius of curvature of the anterior corneal cap, comprising the steps of: determining the desired radius of curvature of said anterior corneal cap;   separating a flap of corneal tissue from said anterior corneal cap, thereby forming a bed in said cap;   placing a solid lenticule on said cap and repositioning said flap over said lenticule.   
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9, wherein the adjustment of the refractive power of the cornea is reversible, the structural integrity of the cornea is maintained, and no significant epithelial stromal interactions occur. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 9, wherein the flap may be varied in diameter.